The mountain needs your help to control an invasive plant, nandina or heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica). Nandina berries might be pretty in the home landscape, but when they are gobbled up by birds and spread throughout the forest (scarified by gut acids and deposited along with little fertilizer package), the seeds sprout and wreak havoc on the ecosystem by multiplying and outcompeting native species. The berries contain cyanide and are especially toxic to cedar waxwings and robins, as these birds often flock in and gorge like they’re at an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Nandina is seen around the mountain along many of our trails— most notably along the Quarry trail, Trillium trail, and Nature trail. In order to prevent the next offspring of nandina from propagating, the berries can be removed, and discarded.
How do you help us get rid of nandina? Stop at the invasive plant station at the South Eastlake trailhead where you’ll find berry removal instructions, supplies, and a sign-up sheet. Please let us know which trails you've covered and when, and be sure to tag your photos on Instagram using the hashtag - #ruffnerinvasiveremoval
At Ruffner:
- Remove red nandina berries along trail edges and place them in a bag to be discarded in the trash.
- Be careful if wandering off-trail to collect berries as there are many potential hazards off the trail. Stay within sight of the trail at all times. Be sure to wash your hands after handling the berries.
At home:
- Don’t plant Nandina. (Ha)
- Remove plants and seedlings from your landscape.
- If used as an ornamental planting - collect and discard the fruit.
Invasive Plant Station at South Eastlake Trailhead
Discarded nandina berries